10 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHAirLift Tool Wonky
Leading reported evidence
Clean disassembled
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I had disassembled and cleaned the entire cooling system when the intermix occurred, and now plan was to flush the system with Shout detergent mixture to ensure the engine block was free of any residual intermix.
Leading evidence: 'Clean disassembled' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean disassembled' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Ran the car up to operating temperature, let run for 15 or 20 minutes, drained the Shout mixture.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The rad hoses on all the different motors i have used an airlift on collapse when at 20psi.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I used the Airlift system for several years without any issues.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I was drawing good vacuum because my front radiator hoses were collapsed just like the first time I used the Airlift Tool with the 30lbs of vacuum, So, I went for it and, sure enough, sucked in over 5 gallons of fresh coolant.
As it stands I can still use the Airlift Tool to fill the Boxster just like I did with the Carrera, but it would be great if the vacuum gauge would work.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Clean disassembled
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I had disassembled and cleaned the entire cooling system when the intermix occurred, and now plan was to flush the system with Shout detergent mixture to ensure the engine block was free of any residual intermix.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
As it stands I can still use the Airlift Tool to fill the Boxster just like I did with the Carrera, but it would be great if the vacuum gauge would work.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I am getting ready to fill the coolant system on my 1999 986, and my question is has anyone had a similar experience with their AirLift Tool vacuum gauge, and if so, were you able to successfully resuscitate it?
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I was drawing good vacuum because my front radiator hoses were collapsed just like the first time I used the Airlift Tool with the 30lbs of vacuum, So, I went for it and, sure enough, sucked in over 5 gallons of fresh coolant.
As it stands I can still use the Airlift Tool to fill the Boxster just like I did with the Carrera, but it would be great if the vacuum gauge would work.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
10 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T142254Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I was resurrecting my 1999 996 from intermix/cracked head and got to the point of refilling cooling system. Read many posts regarding what a PIA it can be, air pockets and whatnot, and also that there's this Airlift Tool that can pull a vacuum on your system and allow the coolant to be sucked in thereby avoiding air pockets. So, me, like a dope, fork over 120 American Dollars and buy one. I had disassembled and cleaned the entire cooling system when the intermix occurred, and now plan was to flush the system with Shout detergent mixture to ensure the engine block was free of any residual intermix. Mixed up the Shout, read the directions and attached the AirLift, drew down 30lbs vacuum and sure enough, sucked in over 5 gallons of Shout mixture. Ran the car up to operating temperature, let run for 15 or 20 minutes, drained the Shout mixture. I now tried to repeat the process with fresh coolant, but the Airlift Tool gauge would not read, tried several times with ZERO joy. I was drawing good vacuum because my front radiator hoses were collapsed just like the first time I used the Airlift Tool with the 30lbs of vacuum, So, I went for it and, sure enough, sucked in over 5 gallons of fresh coolant. Now, when I read the Airlift Tool directions, I payed particular attention to the warnings regarding rough treatment of the vacuum gauge, so when I actually used it I was very careful, did not bang it around or drop it, and used it exactly as the directions specified. And I got one use out of it. Really? One use? I am getting ready to fill the coolant system on my 1999 986, and my question is has anyone had a similar experience with their AirLift Tool vacuum gauge, and if so, were you able to successfully resuscitate it? I tried filling the orifice with hot water to see if maybe the Shout detergent had gummed up the internals and the hot water would loosen it up. Result was even less joy. I am thinking maybe filling the orifice with penetrating fluid, or maybe alcohol. What do you think. As it stands I can still use the Airlift Tool to fill the Boxster just like I did with the Carrera, but it would be great if the vacuum gauge would work. If all else fails I guess I can just put the vacuum gauge in my driveway and run it over a few times with my pickup truck so it know who's boss. Thanks in advance for any constructive input.
I used the Airlift system for several years without any issues. If you are having a defective vacuum gauge, simply send it back under warranty. Things break and that is why we have warranty.
Went back and reviewed the instructional videos I had watched prior to using the AirLift Tool. The correct vacuum is 26lbs, which is what I used although I had stated 30. It had done this last fall, so my memory was a little off. Also, the video stated quite clearly that it is normal for the radiator hoses to collapse once you've drawn the vacuum on the system. I purchased the "Tool" off Amazon, so was trying to avoid returning and shipping and insurance and UPS and that whole routine. All I was really interested in was if anyone had a similar experience and was able to revive the vacuum gauge, or maybe even use a different vacuum gauge. Like I said, I can still use the tool because I'll know I have sufficient vacuum when the front radiator hoses collapse. But it would be nice if the d**n thing worked!
Damn. Sorry, I can’t help much Weazer. I bought a cheap Chinese version and have used it three times successfully without issue. Since you do have the brand name one, I’d reach out to Airlift to see if they can help you out, if you haven’t already.
I have the cheap version, and it has always worked fine. If it is similar, and it functions well besides the guage, you could just replace the guage...
You'll need to verify fitment, but here's the upc for a replacement gauge: 628604080015
Researched on-line, the replacement vacuum gauge is $15 on e-bay, probably less than it would cost to box/ship the whole kit to the mfg. under a warranty claim so that's what I'll do. So, beings as I'm getting a new gauge, I took the old one apart and found the gauge orifice to be totally clogged with thread sealer! The innards of the gauge are fairly simple, a couple of springs, one of which attaches to a post which the needle attaches to, and the other attaches to a diaphragm which is actuated by the air pressure, all within a cage of sorts pressed into a body with the gauge face and crystal on the body's open end.. Some assembly person at the mfg. did not spare the thread sealer because not only was the gauge orifice clogged, the brass body between the gauge and the knurled brass **** was also full of loose pieces of thread sealer. Anyway, thanks for all the input.
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